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Psychicologist

An introverted graduate student struggling to finish her psychology dissertation finds life disrupted by her mother’s psychic puppet who insists on teaching her the importance of intuition and the meaning of human connection.

WHY THIS PROJECT??

PSYCHICOLOGIST tells a story about a world that more and more people express curiosity about. Seers and fortunetellers have been around since the beginning of time, sometimes reviled, sometimes respected, and sometimes a bit of both.

Currently, more people than ever consult a psychic or intuitive about life questions, while the sale of spiritual candles, scents, and tools proliferate. The American Federation of Certified Psychics and Mediums reports that the number of people who repeatedly consulted a psychic for more than a year more than tripled between the years 2012 and 2015 (from 47,000 to 145,000). Independent research published by Fortune Magazine and other publications show a similar interest among top-tier businesses and executives who are using psychics in support of key decision-making.

It seems that women are more likely than men to consult a psychic on topics ranging from love and romance to money. The presented data also shows that clients are younger than in previous years, tying in with a huge population of Millennials who are seeking their sense of purpose in the world. Conservative estimates of annual growth in the industry point to expectations of 2-3%, but that it is likely to be much more than that. While psychic readings are experiencing a surge, so is the sale of metaphysical products. Independent researcher IBISWorld reports similar increases in the sale of everything from tarot and oracle cards to crystals, and elements of the metaphysical are reported to be the latest trend in everything from beauty products to tech apps.

But as always, the metaphysical industry comes with its fair share of skeptics. Comments and articles questioning the validity of consulting a psychic abound on the Internet where the practice is generally considered "alternative". Academic research, although opening up to the possibility of parapsychology, has yet to prove the existence of many paranormal phenomena using traditional, quantitative methodologies. Many people keep their interest under wraps out of concern for being judged or belittled by those who have a different point of view, and even though many clients and psychics claim a relationship with angels, spirits, and God, some religious organizations reject the use of psychics in personal or spiritual development. Still…

People want personal growth, and often accept psychological therapy, psychic counseling, and various forms of religious/spiritual nurturing. It is not uncommon for the same person to have their angel cards and go to church. They are curious and growing more curious by the minute. They want to learn more, explore the world of psychics, and to be allowed to question and reach their own conclusions, thereby enhancing their spiritual awareness.

This is the world of PSYCHICOLOGIST - unwaveringly questioning, challenging expectations, and asking intelligent questions about the logic and intuition that drives all of us in our quest to become better human beings. These are the stories that people want to see, laugh at, cry at, and identify with. We get to experience the realities of coming of age and stepping into adult life at the same time as we are reminded of the importance of staying connected to our inner child and the joys of discovery that our puppet, Dr. Penelope, represents.

PSYCHICOLOGIST is the first, pilot episode that is also a stand-alone short film ready to tell the stories that grown people yearn to see, talk about, and grow from. Won't you join us?

Dr. Penelope at your service!

DIRECTOR'S STATEMENT

As an academic and a creative, I have always been driven to explore the intersections between the known and unknown.I have always been fascinated by stories telling tales that give rise to our curiosity about the mystery of faith and our need for logical explanations. Since childhood I have had an awareness of the existence of something inexplicable in my existence, something that I refer to as my faith.

Much as Julia in PSYCHICOLOGIST experiences a struggle reconciling these different parts of ourselves, I too am looking for ways to reconcile my beliefs into an integrated whole. Not easy in the chaotic world that we live in! PSYCHICOLOGIST explores these themes and their impact on family and community.

Like many, Julia resolves to detach herself emotionally by immersing herself in books and certainty, only to discover that the world is full of contradictions that can only be resolved by developing relationships and connections with other people, no matter how similar or different from herself they may seem. She finds that the only way to live is by accepting the existence of both science and faith, not by living separately from either. It is a struggle that I think many of us can relate to.

Annika Hylmo - Director

Take a look at our recent table read of the script! We had so much fun and love seeing everything come together thanks to our talented cast and stand-ins.

And here is a greeting from our talented actress Katie Koster, who plays the lead, Julia, who needs to learn a thing or two about how both psychologists and psychics can help people by using both intuition and logical reasoning...

...and Jacquie Lyn Phung who comes in to get help with her parents, who disapprove of her lovelife!

CREW

DIRECTOR/WRITER - Annika Hylmö loves fantasy, spirituality and pragmatic reality. She has a background in film and entertainment that includes academic research, consulting, and extensive work at the American Film Institute's Conservatory. She tells stories about active, smart women and girls who challenge themselves to create their own futures.

EXECUTIVE PRODUCER - Tom Rickman has not only been nominated for an Oscar as writer of the film Coal Miner's Daughter in 1981 but he has also been nominated for 2 Emmy's for Outstanding Writing for a Miniseries for The Reagans (2004) & Truman (1996). In 2000 he also won the Humanitas Prize in the 90 minute category for Tuesdays With Morrie.

PRODUCER - Sabrina Cooper is an award winning producer/writer/director who's short documentary I AM SEMINOLE won Best Short Documentary at Palm Springs in 2010 and was selected to show at the Cannes Film Festival in their shorts corner. She has a plethora of experience in production and thrives in fast-paced and hectic environments. Her keen eye and attention to detail is uncanny and is only rivaled by her resourcefulness, making her a distinct asset to any production. Armed with a Bachelors of Science in Film Production from Full Sail University and a Producing alumni from the American Film Institute Conservatory she is ready to accept the challenge of producer one of the producers for PSYCHICOLOGIST!

OUR AMAZING CAST

JULIA - Our story follows JULIA McLUHAN—a graduate student trying to finish her dissertation in psychology so that she can follow in the footsteps of her MD/Ph.D. father.

MRS. ELLIOT—Lynda's grounded African American client is convinced that psychics can communicate with the other world and refuses to let Julia believe otherwise.

Sandi McCree is known for her powerful performance as Bobby Brown's mother in the New Edition Story and her edgy, street-tough performance as "Delonda Brice" on HBO's The Wire. Her TV credits also include The Closer Cold Case and Criminal Minds.

SARAH—perky and quirky, she is certain that her romance and family problems can only be solved with the help of Dr. Penelope's advice.

AWARDS and GIFTS

Gifts: For your generous donation we would like to THANK YOU! Please let us know if you would prefer not to get a social media shout-out.

For any level donation, you will get a good feeling inside and our sincerest thanks! Unfortunately, we can't whisk you to Los Angeles (travel not included), but with a little bit of magic, see what can happen:

$5 you'll get

a shout out on Facebook/Twitter.

a one-card fairy message by email

$10 you'll get

a shout out on Facebook/Twitter

a two-card fairy message by email

$25 you'll get

a shout out on Facebook/Twitter.

a three-card fairy reading by email

$50 you'll get

a shout out on Facebook/Twitter.

a private link to stream the film once it is complete.

a three-card tarot or oracle reading by Skype

For $100 you'll get

a "thank you Spellcasters" credit with total 20 donors.

you will get a combined "family credit" when four or more family members donate $25 each adding up to $100 or more!

a shout out on Facebook/Twitter and a private link to stream the film once it is complete.

a ten-card tarot or oracle reading by Skype

For $250 you'll get

a "thank you Spellcasters" credit with total 10 donors.

a signed copy of script

a shout out on Facebook/Twitter and a private link to stream the film once it is complete

a ten-card tarot or oracle reading by Skype

For $500 you'll get

a "thank you Spellcasters" credit with total 4 donors.

a signed copy of script, a shout out posted on Facebook/Twitter, and a private link to download the film once it is complete.

a ten-card tarot or oracle reading by Skype

For $1000 you'll get

a "thank you Oracles" credit with total 4 donors.

an invite to attend the premier or wrap party.

a signed copy of script, a shout out posted on Facebook/Twitter, and a private link to download the film once it is complete.

a ten-card tarot or oracle reading by Skype

For $2500 you'll get

an Associate Producer "Champion" credit

two invites to attend the premier or wrap party.

a set visit

a signed copy of script, a video shout out posted on Facebook/Twitter, and a private link to download the film once it is complete.

a ten-card tarot or oracle reading by Skype

For $5000 you'll get

a Producer "Magician" credit

a walk on part in the film as a Hollywood extra!

two invites to attend the premier party AND the wrap party.

a signed copy of script, a video shout out posted on Facebook/Twitter, and a private link to download the film once it is complete.

a ten-card tarot or oracle reading by Skype

For $10,000 you'll get

an Executive Producer "Fairy Godparent" credit!

to name a character*!

a set visit!

two invites to attend the premier party AND the wrap party.

a signed copy of script, a video shout out posted on Facebook/Twitter, and a private link to download the film once it is complete.